My research program applies ecological principles to agricultural landscapes, with particular attention on identifying and developing strategies for conservation, management and system resilience. We investigate practices that improve the efficiency of nutrient cycles, optimize plant-soil interactions, and promote ecosystem services and food security in low-input agricultural and agroforestry systems. [article on research program and media coverage on new publication].
My research approach makes use of a diverse set of technical research tools and employs various temporal and spatial scales: from mechanistic manipulative trials at the rhizosphere scale to large agroecosystem dynamics. By using stable isotopes and biogeochemistry, we link the effects of nutrient availability with target species performance and establish predictive measures for multi-species production and agroecological management.
Conceptually, the study of agriculture also offers a unique platform to understand human-environment interactions. I make use of methodological approaches that afford insights into diffusion of agrarian knowledge and information, resource networks and management communication. Our network research was recently featured in an article by AUCC.
Dr. Marney Isaac, Assistant Professor
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, and Department of Social Sciences, International Development Studies (Cross-appointment), University of Toronto, Scarborough
- Graduate Faculty at the Department of Geography University of Toronto
- Associate Graduate Faculty at the Centre for Environment University of Toronto